Method and apparatus for providing access to and working with architectural drawings on the internet

ABSTRACT

A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide access to architectural documents in a network based on-line web based system. Servers that are accessible from the Internet maintain persistent multiple architectural documents of different media types. An online user is provided, from the servers via the Internet, a set of basic virtual design tools that have persistent properties and may be copied. The virtual design tools may also be utilized to work with the architectural documents. A workspace is also provided for viewing, accessing, and modifying the architectural documents.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application and claims the benefitunder 35 U.S.C. §120 of the following co-pending and commonly-assignedU.S. utility patent application(s), which is/are incorporated byreference herein:

Utility application Ser. No. 10/479,909, filed on Jun. 29, 2004, byDouglas G. Look, Larry David Felser, and John Rogers Wallace, entitledMETHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ACCESS TO AND WORKING WITHARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS ON THE INTERNET, attorneys' docket number30566.101-US-W0, which application claims:

the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of the following commonly assignedU.S. Provisional patent application, which application is incorporatedby reference herein: U.S. application Ser. No. 60/177,988, entitled“METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ACCESS TO AND WORKING WITHARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS ON THE INTERNET,” filed on Jan. 25, 2000, byDouglas G. Look, et. al., attorney's docket number 30566.101USP1; andthe benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a)-(d) or (f), or 365(a)-(c) of thefollowing commonly assigned PCT International Application designatingthe United States of America, which application is incorporated byreference herein: PCT International application serial numberPCT/US01/02310, filed on Jan. 24, 2001, by Douglas G. Look, Larry DavidFelser, and John Rogers Wallace, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FORPROVIDING ACCESS TO AND WORKING WITH ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS ON THEINTERNET, attorneys' docket number 30566.101-US-W0

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to accessing and modifyingdrawings on a computer, and in particular, to a method, apparatus, andarticle of manufacture for providing access to drawing information andfor creating and modifying architectural drawings over the Internet.

2. Description of the Related Art

The use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) application programs is wellknown in the art. CAD application programs are often expensive, complex,and difficult to team how to use. Additionally, architects, contractors,engineers, owners, and other parties involved with a project (referredto as project participants) are often mobile or at different locations.With new technology and the increased use of the Internet, projectparticipants often have computers, Internet access, and personal digitalassistants (PDAs). Further, the coordination and exchange of informationbetween project participants can be increasingly complex. Existing priorart applications allow a user to download a drawing, edit the drawing,and upload the drawing after completing the edits. Further, the priorart does not provide the ability to capture a visual/virtual desktopfrom a computer to a hand held computing device or vice versa. Theseproblems may be better understood by describing prior art handheldcomputing devices.

Prior art handheld computing devices (also referred to as palm PCs orpersonal digital assistants (PDAs)), are often used to access andutilize personal information. Many handheld computing devices areavailable in today's marketplace. Typically, handheld computing devicesare only slightly larger than the size of one's palm (hence, the namepalm PC) and have a small display screen for viewing a plethora ofitems. Software can be installed on a PDA to provide enhancedfunctionality. For example, a personal productivity tool may beinstalled to provide access to a calendar, contacts, email, Internetbrowsing, audio books, and audio recording capabilities. Card slots mayalso be available to provide additional memory or other functions (e.g.,a modem). Additionally, some PDAs have infrared (IR) ports forcommunication. As described above, PDAs (including available software)do not provide the ability to view and manipulate a virtual desktop.Further, the prior art does not provide for a virtual PDA that may beviewed and manipulated on a desktop computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention provide an Internet-baseddesign environment, implemented on one or more web servers, for use bybuilding, design, architectural, engineering, and constructionpersonnel, wherein the design environment provides a graphical userinterface having a virtual desktop that resembles an architect's desk.The virtual desktop provides a virtual workspace for storing designdocuments. The virtual desktop also provides a set of basic virtualdesign tools for use in sketching, drawing, modeling, creating, andediting the stored design documents in the virtual workspace.

The design documents may comprise different media types and arepersistently maintained on the web server. The virtual design tools maycomprise graphical icons that resemble physical objects with similarvirtual functionality to the resembled physical objects and may be movedaround the virtual workspace. The design environment supportsmulti-modal input, side-by-side layout of the stored documents, accesspermissions for users of the design environment, and the ability tointeract with applications on the virtual desktop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers representcorresponding parts throughout:

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate the flow of information between projectparticipants;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a hardware and software environment inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a desktop in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates the creation/editing of a sketch in a virtual desktopin accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a virtual desktop in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the components of a project inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates multiple documents/files on a project workspace inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a mockup of project listings in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates the basic components of an architectural environmentin accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates the addition of a tool from a web site in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates the real time retrieval and use of an object inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates the use of a virtual notebook in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a virtual desktop where numerical input is obtainedfrom a drawing and utilized in a spreadsheet in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates the use of PDA in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a transparent browser provided in accordance withone or more embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings which form a part hereof, and which is shown, by way ofillustration, several embodiments of the present invention. It isunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Overview

One or more embodiments of the invention provide for (1) anarchitectural web site for accessing, manipulating, modifying, creating,and editing architectural information (that is persistently maintained)such as drawings, plans, sketches, etc.; (2) the ability to make one ormore copies of a software tool and assign each instance differentproperties; (3) the ability to add new tools to an application bydragging and dropping the tool; (4) a transparent application windowwherein data visible behind the window may be captured and incorporatedinto a new application; and (5) a notebook-like application that runs onboth a PDA and a personal computer. Some of the tools provided mayinclude a scale tool, a ruler tool, a knife tool, a tracing paper tool,and a resize document tool. A composite document that acts as acontainer for other documents may also be provided. Further, a virtualpersonal digital assistant (PDA) may be graphically displayed on adesktop computer monitor. Such a virtual PDA may be synchronized with anactual personal digital assistant to maintain the same information.

Information Flow

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate the flow of information between projectparticipants. As described above, with new technology and the increaseduse of the Internet, project participants often have computers, Internetaccess, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). As indicated in FIGS.1A-1C, information (e.g., bids, quotes, plans, payments, permits,questions, documents, etc.) flow between general contractors,sub-contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, owners, insurance and bondingcompanies, architects, consultants, regulatory agencies, financeagencies, and legal counsel. Such a flow of information is part of theplanning process and construction of a project.

Hardware Environment

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a hardware and software environment inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, and moreparticularly, illustrates a typical distributed computer system 200using a network 202 to connect client computers 204 to server computers206. A typical combination of resources may include a network 202comprising the Internet, LANs, WANs, SNA networks, or the like, clients204 that are personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), orworkstations, and servers 206 that are personal computers, workstations,minicomputers, or mainframes. Further, multiple clients 204 maycommunicate directly with each other (e.g., a PDA communicating with adesktop or personal computer).

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, theInternet 202 connects client computers 204 executing Web browsers 208 toserver computers 206 executing Web servers 210. The Web browser 208 istypically a program such as Netscape's Navigator or Microsoft's InternetExplorer. The Web server 210 is typically a program such as IBM'sHyperText Transport Protocol (HTTP) Server or Microsoft's InternetInformation Server. In one or more embodiments, the servers 206 may alsoexecute a Common Gateway Interface (CGI) 212 that interfaces between theWeb server 210 and a database management system (DBMS) 214.

Generally, these components 208, 210, 212, and 214 all comprise logicand/or data that is embodied in or retrievable from device, medium,signal, or carrier, e.g., a data storage device, a data communicationsdevice, a remote computer or device coupled to the computer across anetwork or via another data communications device, etc. Moreover, thislogic and/or data, when read, executed, and/or interpreted, results inthe steps necessary to implement and/or use the present invention beingperformed.

Thus, embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a method,apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or anycombination thereof. The term “article of manufacture” (oralternatively, “computer program product”) as used herein is intended toencompass logic and/or data accessible from any computer-readabledevice, carrier, or media.

Those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications may be madeto this exemplary environment without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. For example, those skilled in the art will recognizethat any combination of the above components, or any number of differentcomponents, including different logic, data, different peripherals, anddifferent devices, may be used to implement the present invention, solong as similar functions are performed thereby. Specifically, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may beapplied to any database, associated database management system, orperipheral device.

Software Embodiments

One or more embodiments of the invention provide a mechanism forutilizing digital technologies (like pen-based computing and theInternet) for the architectural design community. A design desktop iscomprised of a graphical/digital work environment that resembles aphysical desk where references to physical objects may be used andmanipulated. The design desktop includes a built-in set of sketching and3D tools that enable conceptual design. For example, a user may select apen and draw on tracing paper that is placed over a blueprint. Further,support for multi-modal input, side-by-side layout capabilities,multiple levels of ambiguity, and collaboration tools for design andpresentation may be provided. Embodiments of the invention are web-basedand accessed using an Internet browser. Additionally, geometry may betagged with links to non-geographical data.

To enable sketching, drawing, and modeling, pen-based design tools maybe used to create/draw concept sketches, and study models and diagrams.The pen-based tools may be used by obtaining pen-based input for the 2D& 3D sketching, drawing, and modeling. However, the use of a pen is notrequired. For example, a mouse can also be used.

As described above, users may be linked through the Internet, whereinthe database containing the information may be stored on a serveraccessible (from anywhere) twenty-four (24) hours a day. Suchembodiments work locally and communicate globally. Web-based informationdatabases and online tools may be used. Further, modularity andscalability are enabled such that the invention will work over the neton a desktop, through a local intranet, and eventually on a PDA orhandheld device.

One or more of the following advantages may be provided towards a newdigital architecture:

-   -   (1) Virtual digital tools may enable architects to get back to        the business of designing great buildings. Instead of forcing        architects to modify their practices to try to work with a        stream of new software releases, embodiments provide virtual        tools that are simple, straightforward, and accessible.    -   (2) Designers are allowed to control the technology. The        reliance on non-architects to understand what architects do and        how they do it is removed.    -   (3) Sketching with ambiguity and pen-based input for use into        the digital design process may be an integral part of the        software, thereby keeping drawing and artistic expression alive.    -   (4) Architects are reconnected with the design process by        enabling architects that are not trained in computer aided        design (CAD) to participate fully in the design process again.    -   (5) The power of new technologies is taken advantage of in order        to advance the profession and the environment. For example,        better communication utilized may lead to better design and        better buildings thereby improving the building environment.

One or more mechanisms/areas may be utilized on a web site. A variety ofdifferent types or differently structured/organized web sites may beprovided.

FIG. 3 illustrates the desktop in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention. The desktop provides the user with an areato work 300 with pen-based input for sketching, drawing, and 3Dmodeling. The desktop is comprised of a virtual work space area 300 anda toolbar 302. Toolbar 302 may contain one or more basic drawing toolsfor working in drawing space 300. For example, a pencil 304, pen 306, ortracing paper 308 may be supplied in toolbar 302 to utilize and createsketches, drawings, and 3D models in virtual drawing space 300. Invirtual drawing space 300, the user may move pictures 310, models 312 ormay create and modify drawings 314. Further, each of the objects indrawing space 300 may be moved around or hidden by the user (similar toa physical desk).

As described above, embodiments of the invention (hereafter referred toas a “web site” or “Studiodesk™”) may make an architectural website/application/database available to users. Studiodesk™ provides theability to store and access plans, drawings, sketches, etc. Accesspermissions can be defined to provide access for those persons workingon a project such as architects, contractors, interior designers,structural engineers, etc. Additionally, information in Studiodesk™(such as drawings, plans, etc.) may be edited and modified in real timeusing a Studiodesk™ application (by a person with proper accesspermissions) using simple easy to use tools. Further, Studiodesk™provides the ability to interact with other applications on the desktopincluding transferring information to Studiodesk™ (or a web siteprovided by Studiodesk™) from the desktop (and vice versa), and usingrelated programs in both Studiodesk™ and the desktop at the same time.

Notebook-like applications may also be provided and available to a user.Such applications provide a similar interface on both a personal digitalassistant (PDA) and a personal computer (PC). Information may be draggedand dropped into the notebook on the PC and will automatically beavailable on the PDA version (after synchronization) and vice versa. Onthe PC, the notebook floats in a window above all other applications andcan be used as a graphical clipboard to transfer/associate data betweenapplications. Further, a notebook on the PC may be a full-fledgedvirtual PDA. In addition to providing the functionality and graphicaluser interface of a virtual PDA, support for additional PDA-likeapplications such as spreadsheets, to-do-lists, calendars, etc. may alsobe provided. Thus, a virtual PDA that can be moved and synchronized witha web site, local computer, and actual PDA may be utilized.

One or more copies of a software tool (e.g. a pen) may be obtained.Thereafter, each instance may be assigned different properties (e.g.color, line thickness). A custom set of tools tailored to a particulartask may be created. For example, a user can create a set of threecolored pencils, instead of having only one pencil and continuallychanging its color back and forth, as in current applications.

New tools may be added to an application by dragging and dropping one ormore tools from a website onto the application. Such tools might becharged for on a per-tool basis, or by subscription, or by leasing, orby offering a free trial period with an option to buy. Further, suchtools may be created in the form of an applet. Thus, items can berepresented digitally and manipulated by the applet tools in real time.For example, an applet tool may be created to select a particular pointon a wall and dragging the point such that the entire wall is raised orlowered. Another tool may consist of a knife (or cutting tool) that maybe used to cut away sections/portions of a model or objects of a modelsuch as a wall or ceiling.

The background of the application window may be transparent such thatother applications may be viewed behind the window on the PC display. Inessence, a transparent window enables the use of virtual tracing paperthat provides the ability to overlay several independent documents whilemaintaining transparent capabilities/properties of each document. Datavisible behind a transparent window may be captured and incorporatedinto an application, where the data can be annotated and otherwisemanipulated as a bitmap image. Thus, the transparent window may be usedto trace over an item in the background. In accordance therewith, a planmay be displayed in the background, a transparent window may be placedover the plan, and an architect may trace modifications to the plan orvariations of the plan for discussing with other persons such as theclient or contractor. Further, the transparent window may be a window ofan Internet browser. In accordance therewith, the Internet browser maybe modified or the properties of the window may be configured to permitthe transparency and tracing capabilities.

Information may be stored locally when a user is not connected to theInternet. However, once the user connects (or logs into the web site),the information may be stored remotely on the web server. By storinginformation in this manner, synchronization between multiple partiesaccessing the web site is accomplished more easily. Further, whileconnected to the internet, multiple users at different locations mayhave the ability to access and edit workspaces and documentssimultaneously, while seeing each other's edits as they are made.

Specific Embodiments

A web-based architectural design environment referred to as STUDIODESK™or virtual desktop may be provided. On the virtual desktop, a designercan create, edit, view and manipulate design documents, includingsketches, hard-line drawings, models, images, schedules andspecifications. FIG. 4 illustrates the creation/editing of a sketch 400in a virtual desktop. Documents and data are stored on a web-server, sothat project data can be accessed anywhere. The environment and userinterface may be optimized for pen input, although a mouse, trackball,or other input device may also be used. FIG. 5 illustrates a virtualdesktop in accordance with embodiments of the invention. As illustratedin FIG. 5, other applications such as the Explorer application 500 mayinteract with and run simultaneously with the virtual desktop. Forexample, a file identified in the Explorer application (e.g., a picture502, plan 504, or notes 506) may be dragged and dropped onto the virtualdesktop.

Instead of attempting to automate the architectural process, a virtualdesktop provides a set of fundamental and powerful tools that, in thehands of a skilled user, can be used to realize and documentarchitectural designs. The user acquires and arranges their own customset of tools to suit their tasks and work habits in the virtual desktop.Data objects and structures are kept simple and close to the surface,giving the user maximum control and flexibility. It is left to the userto impose meaning on the data, at the appropriate level of abstraction.

Structure of a Project

FIG. 6 illustrates the structure of a system in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the invention. The STUDIODESK™ software 600 consistsof various sites 602 made up of projects 604. A project 604 consists ofdocuments held on a server. These include all the sketches, drawings,models, program notes, specifications, schedules, video, audio,photographs and other digital information used to design, specify andmanage the project. Users access the project documents through thevirtual desktop running in a web browser. The documents are organizedinto a hierarchy of sites 602, projects 604, workspaces 606, archives608, and documents 610.

Sites 602

A site 602 is a collection of projects 604. A site 602 corresponds tothe organization managing the various projects 604. For example, anarchitecture firm “A” may have a site 602 called “A” on a web server.Site “A” contains projects 604 managed by “A”.

In addition to containing projects 604, a site 602 can have a collectionof workspaces 606 and an archive 608. In this sense, a site 602 isreally no different than a project 604. A site 602 is given a specialname just to clarify its role in representing the real-worldorganization managing a collection of projects 604.

Projects 604

Under a particular site 602, workspaces 606 and documents 610 areorganized into projects 604. Each project 604 may have its own URL. Aproject 604 is like a folder. A project 604 can contain workspaces 606,document archives 608, and other projects 612. For example, a firm like“A” might have a single project 604 called “A”. This project 604 mightcontain sub-projects 612 for individual buildings. If it makes sense,each building project 612 could be divided into sub-projects 612.

Projects 604 (and sites 602) control access to their content. Eachproject 604 may have an access control list (ACL) that lists the userswho are allowed to access the project 604 contents and the level ofpermissions for each user. Permissions may be inherited but can beoverridden by sub-projects 612 or individual documents 610 at any level.The default is to provide open access. Restricting access may require adeliberate action by an owner.

Workspaces 606

A workspace 606 is a container document that may be directly edited. Aworkspace 606 contains links to project documents 610, displayedgraphically on the workspace 606 surface, including 2D drawings, 3Dmodels, images, notebooks, word documents, spreadsheets, etc. FIG. 7illustrates multiple documents/files on a project 604 workspace 606 inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The keyfunction of the workspace 606 is to allow a user to organize documents610 visually. A user can place documents 610 side by side for reference,or superimpose them like tracing paper.

A user can create any number of workspaces 606. Each workspace 606 mayhave its own URL. The state of each workspace 606 is persistent suchthat when the user returns to a particular workspace 606, the documents610 the user was working on in the workspace 606 will be opened in theposition that the user left them.

Documents 610

Referring to FIG. 7, the actual data that a user creates, edits andviews is contained in documents. A user can access one or more documentsby placing the desired document on a workspace 606. Examples of suchdocuments include 2D drawings 700, 702, and 704, 3D models 704, images,notebooks, word processing documents, spreadsheets, videos, audiorecordings, digital photographs, or any other type of multimediadocument. As illustrated in FIG. 7, numerous view of the samemodel/drawing may be displayed simultaneously. For example, view 706illustrates a side elevation view of model 704. View 700 alsoillustrates a top view of the same model. Further, FIG. 7 illustratesthe creation/modification of a document in a workspace. For example, auser may identify a point on a wall or ceiling of model 704, and dragthe point up to raise/lower the ceiling. Various shapes and tools may beused to work with documents as described below.

The same documents can be opened in more than one workspace 606 at thesame time. If both users have edit permission, both may edit thedocument at the same time.

Accordingly, referring back to FIG. 6, documents 610 contain the actualproject 604 data, including designs, construction drawings,specifications, etc. The goal is to provide access to the data containedin the document 610 as immediate and direct as possible. Borders andwidgets framing a document 610 may be minimized. Further, tool actionsapply to whichever document 610 is under the tool.

Every document 610 in the workspace 606 may have a title bar at thebottom that shows the document 610 name and contains icons for document610 related commands. A user may drag a document 610 by the document's610 title bar to reposition the document 610 in the workspace 606. Adocument 610 may also be resized by dragging a corner or edge. Such aresizing may enlarge a document's 610 size without scaling an image inthe document. Dragging by a graphically differentiated corner of thedocument 610 may resize the document 610 and scale or zoom its contentsat the same time.

Document 610 related commands are accessed through icons on the titlebar or a pop-up menu accessible through the document's 610 title bar.Such commands may include “Close document”, “Minimize”, “Print”,“Export”, “Send”, “Cut”, “Copy”, and “Paste”. A document 610 title barmay also contain special commands that only appear for a certain type ofdocument 610, e.g. “forward” and “Back” for a web document 610 or“Layers” for a layer stack.

Documents 610 may interact with and be layered on top of each other. Inone or more embodiments, Studiodesk™ defines interfaces for eachdocument 610 that allows the document 610 to retrieve information fromanother document 610. Such retrieved information may include a scalethat allows documents 610 to scale appropriately to each other, anorigin that allows documents 610 to be positioned so that their contentsalign correctly, and geometric snap information that allows geometrybeing drawn in a document 610 to snap to geometry in another document610 under the first document 610.

The draw order of documents 610 on a workspace 606 may be changed usinga “Draw Order” tool. Other document properties that may be viewed and/oredited may include Title, Author, Creation Date, Color, Transparency,Scale, Grid Resolution, etc. Such properties may be edited using aproperty sheet accessible from a document 610 pop-up menu (or possiblyfrom an icon on the title bar).

Various document 610 types may provide different functions andcapabilities to a user. In accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe invention, the following document 610 types may be utilized:

(1) 2D paper—A document 610 used for creating and modifying twodimensional (2D) drawings (e.g., a sketch, hardline, etc.). Propertiesfor 2D paper may include a variable transparency, scaling capabilities,zoom capabilities, resizing capabilities (e.g., by dragging a verticalor horizontal edge to add more paper), resealing capabilities (e.g., bydragging a corner to re-scale/resize the drawing), and importationcapabilities (e.g., DWG files may be imported into the virtual desktop900 drawing format).

(2) 3D modeling sheet—A document 610 type used for creating andmodifying three dimensional (3D) models. Multiple 2D and 3D views may beshown/viewed at the same time.

(3) Notebook 912—A document 610 type that provides a container forworkspaces 606 that allows a user to flip through the workspaces 606similar to pages of a notebook. Since each page of the notebook 912 maycomprise a workspace 606, the notebook 912 may contain any combinationor arrangement of documents 610.

(4) Layer stack—A document 610 type that provides a container forworkspaces 606. A layer stack is similar to a notebook 912, but thepages may be transparent. A layer stack may be used to create theequivalent of a layered drawing. Since each layer is a workspace 606,the layer stack may contain any combination or arrangement of documents.A layer stack may also be referred to as a container or compositedocument 610. As described, such a composite document 610 may providefor graphically associating multiple documents of various document/mediatypes. Further, such a composite document 610 may be moved between twoor more workspaces 606 as a unit using a graphical user interface.

(5) Other workspace 606—A document 610 type that provides a graphicallink from one workspace 606 to another workspace 606.

(6) Web page—A document 610 type that may be viewed in-place on theworkspace 606 via a browser 208 of FIG. 2. A web page may provide basicweb-browsing commands in a title bar.

(7) Non-native documents 610—A document 610 type that representsdocuments 610 created in a foreign program (e.g. Word, Excel, etc.). Anon-native document 610 may be viewed in the virtual desktop 900.Editing may be similar to embedded or container objects provided usingcomponent object model (COM) or object linking and embedding (OLE)technology. For example, when a user selects/clicks “Open” ordouble-clicks the document 610, the appropriate application opens in itsown window.

Archives 608

When a document 610 is first created in a workspace 606, it may only beaccessible through that workspace 606. If a user deletes that workspace606 from the project 604, the document 610 may also be deleted. Awarning message may be displayed informing the user of the deletion ofthe document 610.

For longer term storage, a user can place documents 610 in an archive608, that lets the user organize documents 610 hierarchically infolders. Once a document 610 is placed in an archive 608, the document610 continues to exist in the project 604 even if the document 610 isnot open in any workspace 606.

Subsequently, if a user places an archived document 610 back into aworkspace 606, the document 610 as it appears in the workspace 606 is alink to the document 610 in the archive 608, and any edits the usermakes apply to the original archived document 610. A user can explicitlycreate a new copy of a document 610 if the user doesn't want to modifythe original, or the user can open a document 610 read-only so that itcan't be modified. An archived document 610 can be opened on more thanone workspace 606 at a time. The archive may provide check in/check out,versioning, history, and other standard document management functions.

Web Site Embodiments

To access project 604 documents 610, a user may first enter a portal website 602. However, the user can also start the application by clickingon an icon on a PC desktop without going to a web site. In addition toproviding access to a user's project 604 documents 610, the web site 602may contain a wide range of information related to digital design.

A user may navigate to a page containing a list of projects 604 in whichthe user is a participant. Each project 604 may be represented by athumbnail image. Clicking on a project 604 may bring up that project 604on the virtual desktop. Normally, projects 604 will have access controland a user will be asked to enter a username and password. This loginmay be the same for all projects 604 and may only have to be enteredonce per session. Subsequent to login, the web site of FIG. 8 may bedisplayed. FIG. 8 illustrates a mockup of project 604 listings inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The web siteof FIG. 8 may allow the user to select one of the projects 604 in auser's account.

When a user clicks on a project 604 on the web site, a virtual desktopwill start up inside a browser 208 window of FIG. 2. FIG. 9 illustratesthe basic components of an architectural environment/virtual desktop 900in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The virtualdesktop 900 gives the user a graphical view into a project's documents610, along with tools to create, edit and view the documents 610. Menus902, tool palettes 904, color editors 906, and property editors 908surround a large workspace 606. Documents 610 displayed in the workspace606 contain project data.

Further, as described above, when connected to the Internet or web site602, multiple users may access and edit worskspaces 606 and documents610 simultaneously. For example, multiple users at different locationsmay access and edit a workspace 606 or document 610 at the same time,while seeing each other's edits as they are made.

Tools

Tools are objects that a user can use to create and edit projectdocuments 610. Tools may include objects such as pens, erasers, rulers,etc.

Tools may be provided that function to reduce the complexity of a userinterface. Accordingly, instead of presenting the user with a largefixed set of tools covering all the tasks a user might possibly want toaccomplish, a set of tools tailored to a user's specific tasks may beassembled. When a user first opens a virtual desktop 900 or workspace606, the workspace 606 may contain only a few basic tools that may beprovided in a tool palette 904.

A user can add more tools by clicking on a “More Tools” command in a“Tools” menu 902 that may provide a user with an on-line catalog oftools. Using the catalog, a user may drag and drop a new tool into thevirtual desktop 900 (or the virtual desktop toolbar), workspace 606, ortool palette 904 and start using the new tool immediately.

FIG. 10 illustrates the addition of a tool from a web site. Web site1000 contains multiple tools that may be selected. To utilize a toolfrom web site 1000, the user merely selects a tool such as ruler tool1002 (that assists a user in drawing a line and displays a unit ofmeasure (e.g., inches)), drags the selected tool to the toolbar (alsoreferred to as tool palette 904) and drops the tool on the tool palette(e.g., ruler tool 1004 on the toolbar).

Tools are objects and have properties. For example, a pen may have acolor and line weight. Referring back to FIG. 9, a user may change thepen color using a color control 906. A user can also create additionalinstances of a tool by copying it. For example, if a user's workinvolves moving between a red, blue, and black pen frequently, a usercan make two additional copies of a black pen tool and set their colorsto be red and blue.

Tools maintain their functionality and work across documents 610. Forexample, a pen tool will draw a 2D stroke on a 2D drawing document 610.The same pen will draw onto the surface of a 3D model, or onto a 3Dworkplace. The data created by the tool depends on the context in whichit is used, i.e., what the pen is drawing on.

Tools are placed on a tool palette 904. Tools can be placed anywhere onthe palette 904, simply by dragging and dropping them. A user canstretch the palette 904 to accommodate new tools. The palette 904 canalso be sized so that only a portion of the tools are visible, in whichcase forward and backward buttons allow the user to quickly navigatethrough the tools on the palette 904. There can be multiple toolpalettes 904. New tool palettes 904 may be created by the user asneeded. Tools can be copied and moved between palettes 904.

Tools may not need to be placed on the palette 904 prior to use.Additionally, objects instead of tools may be utilized to providevarious elements of a document 610. For example, a wall object, windowobject, sunroof object, plant object, etc. may be placed and utilized ina document 610.

FIG. 11 illustrates the real time retrieval and use of an object inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The user maybrowse to a web page that has various objects available such as doorobject 1100. As illustrated in FIG. 11, a door manufacturer may maintaina web site with various doors that are offered by the manufacturer. Asprovided by the manufacturer, the online representations of the doorsmay be objects with properties that enable the door to be used. A usermerely selects door object 1100, drags the door object to theappropriate location, and drops the door on the drawing/model. Based onthe properties, the window may be reoriented (as in door 1102) so thatit accurately reflects the placement in the model or drawing.Alternatively, the door may be dropped onto the toolbar for additionaluse.

Menus 902

Referring back to FIG. 9, a menu bar 902 across the top of the virtualdesktop 900 contains drop-down menus. The drop-down menus containcommands. Unlike tools, commands may be modeless, one-shot operations,often applied to a selected object. The menus 902 are customizable, andnew commands may be plugged in. The menu bar 902 can be positionedanywhere on the desktop by the user.

The following table illustrates the menu and drop-down menus that may beavailable:

Project Edit View Tools Draw Help New Workspace 606 Undo Tool Palette904 Duplicate Tool Flip Horizontal Help Topics Insert From File RedoColor Remove Tool Flip Vertical Export — Line Thickness Restore ToolScale Print Cut Transparency More Tools . . . Invert Color Send CopyDetails Workspace 606 Paste Stencil Properties Delete Workspace 606Browser — Project Browser Select All Archive Browser Select NoneNotebook 912

Property Editing

Properties 908 are attributes that define the appearance and behavior ofa particular instance of an object in the system. Examples includecolor, name, transparency, width, etc. Tools, documents 610, geometricentities, etc. all have properties 908.

Commonly used properties 908 like color, pen width and transparency maybe edited using special purpose controls (e.g., color window 906) thatfloat over the workspace 606. Property 908 controls may also beaccessible from a properties sheet, that may also float over theworkspace 606.

Property sheets show the properties of an active tool. Additionally, ifthe active tool is the selector tool, the property sheet may display theproperties of a selected object.

Project Navigation

While using embodiments of the invention at a particular workspace 606,users may need access to other parts of a project, including otherdocuments 610 or other workspaces 606. Accordingly, embodiments of theinvention may provide several tools (e.g., a project navigator 910) fornavigating the project hierarchy. Such tools may display both textualinformation and graphical thumbnails.

Project Browser

For general access to an entire project hierarchy, a project browserwindow may show a tree view of the project. A user may access allworkspaces 606, archives, and documents 610 using this view. A user mayalso navigate to any project in which the user is a participant.

Workspace 606 Browser

For quick access to a user's workspaces 606, a workspace 606 browserwindow may show a scrollable list of all of a user's workspaces 606(across all projects). The user may select/click on a workspace 606 inthis list to jump directly to that workspace 606.

Archives Browser

For access to documents 610 in the archives for a current project, anarchives browser window may show a hierarchical view of an archives Auser may drag and drop documents 610 from one or more archives to theworkspace 606 to edit or view them. Additionally, a user may drag anddrop documents 610 from the workspace 606 to the archives to store them.

Direct Viewing of Project Folders

The desktop can view a project folder 604 as well as a workspace 606. Aproject folder 604 may show icons and thumbnail images representing thefolder and workspaces 606 contained in that folder 604. Clicking on anicon or thumbnail may open that folder 604 or workspace 606 for viewingand editing. In addition to containing icons and thumbnails, a folder604 view can also be drawn into and otherwise modified just like aworkspace 606. Options may be provided for organizing icons andthumbnails into various arrangements: alphabetical, by date, etc.

Virtual Notebook

One or more embodiments of the invention provide for a virtualdesigner's notebook that floats above the virtual desktop 900. FIG. 12illustrates the use of such a virtual notebook 1200. A user can drag anddrop data in both directions between the virtual notebook 1200 and thevirtual desktop 900. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, a user candrag the document 1202 from the virtual desktop 900 and drop thedocument to the virtual notebook 1200. A user can use a virtual notebook1200 similar to a graphical clipboard when browsing for data or whentransferring data or documents between workspaces 606. Each page in thenotebook 1200 is a workspace 606 document and can contain any data thatcan exist in/on a virtual desktop 900 or an environment provided inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Anotherworkspace 606 may be examined by selecting a virtual button 1204 thatmoves to the next workspace 606 in the notebook 1200.

A virtual notebook 1200 may run on any operating system available forhand held computing devices (PDAs) such as the Palm OS or Windows CE. Ifa palm device is synchronized to the desktop 900, the contents of thevirtual notebook 1200 on the desktop 900 will be synchronized with thevirtual notebook 1200 on the palm device.

The virtual notebook 1200 is a separate application that runs on auser's desktop independently of other applications. A virtual notebook1200 can be used as a graphical clipboard for data from otherapplications (e.g., Word, Excel, etc.). Further, available tools (asdescribed above) may be utilized in the virtual notebook 1200.

Drawing and Sketching

A user can create drawings using pens of various types, colors andwidths. A flood fill and eraser tool may also aid in the drawingprocess. Such tools may be used freehand to create sketches.

A user can use available tools to create hard-line drawings, along witha stencil, that allows a user to constrain a tool to create a specifichard-line geometry (e.g., a straight line, rectangle, or circle).Stencils may also be used to create symbols such as a door, outlet, orsprinkler head. Geometry created using stencils may create an objectthat maintains properties (e.g., width, height, radius, etc.). Further,the objects and properties may be selected and edited. Objects may alsobe dragged and dropped to and from a notebook (e.g., virtual notebook1200). Accordingly, notebooks may act as catalogs for organizing largercollections of predefined content.

A user may add a text block to a drawing using a text tool. A text blockcan be selected and edited in place or in a text editing dialog. Usualtext formats may be supported such as font, font size, font style, wordwrap, etc. Text may also be input using mechanisms available such as aphysical keyboard, a virtual keyboard, and/or using handwritingrecognition.

Drafting

Drafting is not fundamentally different from the sketching and hard-linedrawing described above. Accordingly, additional tools and options toaddress the need for precision and efficiency in drafting may beprovided.

Scale

2D drawing documents may have a scale property that is an internalrepresentation of the scale of a document (e.g., ⅛ inch=1 foot).Further, a scale tool provides the ability to set the scale property byidentifying a distance using an input device (e.g., drawing a line) andspecifying a unit of measurement represented by the distance (e.g., 1foot). Additionally, adjusting the scaling may modify the internal scalerepresentation of the document without modifying the actual size of thedocument.

Snap

Support snapping to endpoints, midpoints and other geometric locations,as well as snapping perpendicular and tangent may be available.

Drawing Tools

Additional drawing tools, including trim, extend and offset may also beprovided.

Precision and Numerical Input

A mechanism for efficiently defining geometry by entering or measuringout exact numeric values may be available. This may consist of aruler-like graphic that is displayed while drawing lines or othergeometry, which will display the current length and angle of thegeometry as it is drawn. Typing while the ruler is displayed may set thelength or angle directly for the geometry. The ruler extends beyond thecurrent geometry in order to give visual feedback about available lengthvalues taking into account the drawing scale.

Dimensioning

Tools for creating dimensions may also be provided. Dimensions areobjects that snap to geometry and may be associative.

Layers

Layered drawings are created using layer stacks. A layer stack is acollection of transparent workspaces 606 superimposed and registered foralignment. A layer stack provides access to various sheets in a stackusing a list of the layers. A user can make a given layer active byselecting the desired layer in this list. The order in the listdetermines the order of layers in the stack, and thus the draw order.Layers do not determine color or other properties. All layers in thestack may have the same drawing scale by default.

Predefined Drawing Objects

Predefined drawing objects may allow the user to add pre-drawn objectsto a drawing. Such objects may be similar to ACTIVESHAPES™, with plugs,sockets, and sizing handles. However, predefined drawing objects may nothave expressions and may not be programmable. Pre-defined objects mayalso be dragged and dropped from web-based catalogs.

3D Modeling

A feature-based solid modeler for use in creating study models as wellas more formal simulations or presentation models may be provided. Theuser-interface for modeling may be specifically tailored to therequirements of architectural models. One basic approach provides forthe creation of sheets or blocks of material by drawing outlines in 2Dand pulling the 2D outlines into 3D. Sheets are analogous to cardboardor foam-core-type materials and blocks are analogous to wood or clay.These materials can then be modified by cutting them with a knife toolor by extracting material using a router tool. Features created bycutting can be selected and positioned. Snapping and collision detectionare active during model creation and editing to aid in creating precisegeometric relationships.

Modeling may be performed in a document referred to as a modeling sheet.A modeling sheet document contains the model geometry and providesvarious projections of a model, including plan, elevation, axonometric,and perspective. A model may not have a separate existence outside ofthe modeling sheet document.

The contents of a 2D drawing document may also be rotated into 3D. The2D geometry will appear on the ground plane in the 3D view. 3D modelingdata can then be added using the 2D drawing as a reference. The 2Dgeometry, including lines, rectangles, circles, etc., may also bedirectly extruded upwards to create 3D shapes.

2D projections of the model such as elevation or plan may be renderedfully shaded or as line drawings. 3D projections like axonometric orperspective are rendered using shading that is realistic to the extentnecessary to convey an immediate sense of geometric and spatialrelationships. This level of rendering may include soft shadows,gradations of light across flat surfaces and realistic ambient lighting.Antialiasing may also be supported.

3D modeling may also include the ability to apply texture maps tosurfaces and to select and manipulate texture maps and/or surfaces asobjects. A user may drag a texture map around on a surface and resizethe texture map interactively using handles (as described above withrespect to FIG. 7). Textures may be tiled to cover the entire surface oract as decals.

3D geometry provides basic material properties that may include color,transparency, and shininess. Properties may be applied to the entiremodel geometry, and not to individual faces. Further, changes to surfaceproperties may be updated dynamically.

When drawing tools such as pencils or markers are used over a 3Dsurface, the tool will draw onto the surface in 3D.

Several different types of camera tools may be provided for modifying 3Dviews interactively, including a simple lazy-susan type orbit tool, anunconstrained orbit tool, and walk or fly through tools.

Non-Graphical Data

To fully specify a building, geometric representations in drawings maybe linked to specification data, including textual descriptions,manufacturers data, etc. Such data may then be extracted from a projectdatabase by downstream applications for bidding or facilitiesmanagement. For example, door and window schedules can be generatedautomatically.

A tag property for geometric objects like lines may be available. Such atag is a link to a record in another project document, which containsthe additional data describing the object.

Special tools may be used to create special purpose types of taggedgeometry. For example, a tool for drawing polylines that creates ageometrical shape linked by a tag to a pre-selected material type (e.g.,a brick wall) can be used to determine the quantity of material needed(referred to as a quantity take off by tracing with the tool in aseparate layer superimposed over a construction drawing.

Native spreadsheet document support may enable support for quantitativeanalysis. Simple tools may also be created for computing areas forquantity take offs, for example. FIG. 13 illustrates a virtual desktop900 where numerical input is obtained from a drawing and utilized in aspreadsheet. Box 1300 is placed around an existing plan 1304. Based onthe scale of the drawing, the square footage of the boxed area may beautomatically obtained and input into spreadsheet program 1306 as aquantity 1302. The spreadsheet program may then utilize the quantity1302 for calculations such as flooring cost.

Links are bi-directional so a change to the source description may befollowed back to all of the instances in the various drawings, to makesure changes do not introduce errors or inconsistencies.

Annotation and Markup

Referring back to FIG. 6, a user may annotate any document 610 using aspecial annotation pen and eraser or by drawing directly on a document610 in an annotation layer. Annotations made with the annotation pen maybe erased using an annotation eraser without affecting the originaldocument 610 data (a pen tool may be used as an annotation tool bysetting the pen tool's annotation property). An annotation pen can addannotation to any document 610 viewable on the workspace 606, even thosefor which the user doesn't have write access. If a user doesn't havewrite access to a document 610 or if pen strokes are not supported bythe document 610 (e.g. an image or a Word document 610), any pen thatthe user uses on the document 610 will act as an annotation pen.Annotation may create stroke data. Other types of data (bitmap, 3D,text) may not be a permissible mechanism for creating annotation.Further, if desirable, the workspace 606 itself may be used as thecontainer for the markup.

Annotations may conceptually be part of a document 610 and travel orattach to the document 610. Thereafter, when a user copies a document610, annotations may be included. Further, when such a document 610 iscopied or archived, the annotations may also be included. For example, aword processing document 610 with annotation may be presented as asingle document 610.

If a user emails a document outside of an application (e.g., a site 602,project 604, workspace 606, etc.), the user may have the choice offlattening the document 610. For example, if an image document 610 isflattened, annotations associated with the image may become part of theactual image data. In another example, annotation on a word processingdocument 610 may be converted to word processing data when the wordprocessing document is flattened.

Any document 610 may be annotated, even documents 610 for which the userdoes not have write access. To provide such annotation capabilities, oneor more of the following options may be utilized:

(1) special annotation tools;

(2) a transparent annotation layer for all documents 610;

(3) only documents 610 that have been flattened into read-only bitmaps(like marking up a copy) can be annotated; and

(4) annotation of a document 610 merely draws into the actual document610 itself (all documents 610 may support strokes).

Administration and Access Control

Ownership may be defined for a global list of users. Such a list maycomprise user names, passwords, and tags (e.g., group membership, role).Additionally, projects 604 may include a list of users with additionalproperties added (e.g., a “principal” property).

Certificates as an option may also be supported. Further, access controllists (ACLs) (a set of data associated with a file, directory or otherresource that defines the permissions that users and/or groups have foraccessing it) may be provided on a per-project 604 and/or per-document610 basis. Additionally, two people with write-access may have theability to edit the same document 610 at the same time.

Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) Support

FIG. 14 illustrates a PDA in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe invention. A tablet may provide a PDA (such as PDA 1400 of FIG. 14)as a pen input device (referred to as a pen tablet) for an applicationrunning on a client. Accordingly, a standard PDA may be used as a pentablet. By providing such capabilities, persons who do not have a pentablet are provided with the opportunity to try a pen tablet type ofapplication. Thus, the pen tablet may provide exposure of the inventionto a much wider group of people and users.

A user may run a pen tablet when a PDA is plugged into a PC (orMacintosh) running an application. The PDA screen is mapped to a 160×160area on a display area of the PC. A user can move this area by draggingthe area with an input device such as a mouse or by using a pan tool onthe PDA. Data within the mapped area on the PC will appear in the PDAscreen as a non-editable background. Conversely, strokes drawn on thePDA will be drawn on the PC within the mapped area. A PDA may provide athick and thin pen.

A notebook may provide the user of a PDA 1400 with an off-linedesigner's notebook. FIG. 14 illustrates the notebook or virtual desktop900 on a PDA 1400. A notebook as referred to herein is a multi-pagenotebook that the user can load with images and drawings from theapplication on the PC, then work off-line with them on a PDA 1400, usingthem for reference and annotating them using a selection of basicdrawing tools. The user can also create sketches and drawings in thenotebook. Annotations and drawings created off-line can be uploaded andsynchronized with a PC when the PDA is connected to (or communicateswith) the PC. The PDA synchronizes with a virtual PDA floating on the PCdesktop. Data may then be transferred between the virtual PDA to andfrom the virtual desktop 900 using drag and drop. Further, the virtualPDA on the desktop 900 may be used independently of the PDA.

Screen Capture

A user may capture images of other documents on a PC desktop. Forexample, a user may have a drawing file in another application (e.g.,AutoCAD) that the user wishes to annotate, mark-up, or refer to. In somecases, such a file may be imported directly. However, such importationmay consume valuable system resources. Further, the user may merelyrequire a snapshot of data currently visible on the screen.

Two approaches may be utilized for screen capture operations as follows:

(1) Transparent Browser

A transparent browser provides the ability to see-through a screen(i.e., provides a transparency). A slider controls the transparency ofthe workspace itself. When transparent, a user can see through thebrowser onto the data or document located behind the browser on thedesktop 900. Further, a user can capture the information/data visiblethrough the browser and add it to the workspace as a bitmap image (e.g.,by clicking a button). A captured image may then be annotated using thenormal annotation tools. FIG. 15 illustrates a transparent browser 1500provided in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.Window 1502 can be viewed through transparent browser 1500. Further, theimage in window 1502 may be captured and the user can annotate 1504 thecaptured image.

(2) Screen Capture Utility

A stand-alone utility may allow a user to capture any area of a virtualdesktop and insert it as a bitmap into a workspace. When a user clickson a “Capture” command, the workspace minimizes and the cursor changesto a capture cursor. The user may then define/designate an area to becaptured (e.g., by dragging out a rectangle). Once an area has beendefined, the defined area may be automatically captured and insertedinto the workspace as a bitmap image. This image may then be annotatedand otherwise manipulated, similar to any other bitmap image document.

CONCLUSION

This concludes the description of one or more embodiments of theinvention. The following describes some alternative embodiments foraccomplishing the present invention without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. For example, any type of computer, such as amainframe, minicomputer, workstation or personal computer, could be usedwith the present invention. In addition, any software program,application or operating system having a user interface could benefitfrom the present invention.

The foregoing description of one or more embodiments of the inventionhas been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. Itis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possiblein light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by theclaims appended hereto.

1. A computer implemented method for providing access to architecturaldocuments comprising: maintaining, on one or more servers accessiblefrom the Internet, persistent multiple architectural documents ofdifferent media types; providing, to an online user from the one or moreservers via the Internet, a set of basic virtual design tools that havepersistent properties and may be copied, wherein the virtual designtools may be utilized to work with the architectural documents; andproviding a workspace for viewing, accessing, and modifying thearchitectural documents.
 2. The computer implemented method of claim 1wherein a basic virtual design tool comprises virtual tracing paper thatprovides the ability to overlay several independent documents whilemaintaining transparent capabilities of the documents.
 3. The computerimplemented method of claim 1 wherein a basic virtual design toolcomprises a virtual graphical scaling tool that provides for setting aninternal scale representation of an existing document by: identifying adistance using an input device; and specifying a unit of measurementrepresented by the distance.
 4. The computer implemented method of claim1 wherein a basic virtual design tool comprises a graphical scalingelement that provides the ability to modify an internal scalerepresentation of a document without modifying a size of the document.5. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein a basic virtualdesign tool comprises a ruler tool that: assists a user in drawing aline; and displays a unit of measure.
 6. The computer implemented methodof claim 1 wherein a basic virtual design tool comprises a resizedocument tool that enlarges a document size without scaling an image inthe document.
 7. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein atleast one of the architectural documents is a container document thatprovides for graphically associating multiple documents of variousdocument types and wherein the container document can be moved betweentwo or more workspaces as a unit using a graphical user interface. 8.The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein a new virtual designtool may be provided to the online user by copying the new virtualdesign tool from an Internet-based catalog.
 9. The computer implementedmethod of claim 8 wherein the virtual design tool is copied by draggingand dropping the virtual design tool from the Internet-based catalog tothe workspace.
 10. A computer-implemented apparatus comprising: a webbased server accessible from the Internet configured to maintainpersistent multiple architectural documents of different media types; aset of basic virtual design tools, available to a user on the Internetthrough the server, wherein the virtual design tools have persistentproperties, may be copied, may be utilized to work with thearchitectural documents; and a virtual workspace, available to a user onthe Internet through the server, for viewing, accessing, and modifyingthe architectural documents.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein abasic virtual design tool comprises tracing paper that provides theability to overlay several independent documents while maintainingtransparent capabilities of the documents.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10wherein a basic virtual design tool comprises a graphical scaling toolthat provides for setting an internal scale representation of anexisting document by: identifying a distance using an input device; andspecifying a unit of measurement represented by the distance.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 10 wherein a basic virtual design tool comprises agraphical scaling element that provides an ability to modify an internalscale representation of a document without modifying a size of thedocument.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein a basic design toolcomprises a ruler tool that: assists a user in drawing a line; anddisplays a unit of measure.
 15. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein abasic design tool comprises a resize document tool that enlarges adocument size without scaling an image in the document.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 10 wherein at least one of the architecturaldocuments is a container document that provides for graphicallyassociating multiple documents of various document types and wherein thecontainer document can be moved between two or more workspaces as a unitusing a graphical user interface.
 17. The apparatus of claim 10 whereina new virtual design tool may be available to the user by copying thenew virtual design tool from an Internet-based catalog.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 10 wherein the virtual design tool is copied bydragging and dropping the virtual design tool from the Internet-basedcatalog to the virtual workspace.
 19. An article of manufacture forproviding access to architectural documents comprising: an interactiveweb site hosted on a web server wherein the interactive web site isconfigured to: maintain, on the web server, persistent multiplearchitectural documents of different media types; provide a set of basicvirtual design tools that have persistent properties and may be copied,wherein the virtual design tools may be utilized to work with thearchitectural documents; and provide a workspace for viewing, accessing,and modifying the architectural documents.
 20. The article ofmanufacture of claim 19 wherein a basic virtual design tool comprisesvirtual tracing paper that provides the ability to overlay severalindependent documents while maintaining transparent capabilities of thedocuments.
 21. The article of manufacture of claim 19 wherein a basicvirtual design tool comprises a virtual graphical scaling tool thatprovides for setting an internal scale representation of an existingdocument by: identifying a distance using an input device; andspecifying a unit of measurement represented by the distance.
 22. Thearticle of manufacture of claim 19 wherein a basic virtual design toolcomprises a graphical scaling element that provides the ability tomodify an internal scale representation of a document without modifyinga size of the document.
 23. The article of manufacture of claim 19wherein a basic virtual design tool comprises a ruler tool that: assistsa user in drawing a line; and displays a unit of measure.
 24. Thearticle of manufacture of claim 19 wherein a basic virtual design toolcomprises a resize document tool that enlarges a document size withoutscaling an image in the document.
 25. The article of manufacture ofclaim 19 wherein at least one of the architectural documents is acontainer document that graphically associates multiple documents ofvarious document types and wherein the container document can be movedbetween two or more workspaces as a unit using a graphical userinterface.
 26. The article of manufacture of claim 19 wherein theinteractive website is further configured to provide a new virtualdesign tool by copying the new virtual design tool from anInternet-based catalog.
 27. The article of manufacture of claim 19wherein the virtual design tool is provided by dragging and dropping thevirtual design tool from the Internet-based catalog to the workspace.